The Cincinnati Bengals discover themselves locked in a rising standoff with one in all their defensive cornerstones.
Star go rusher Trey Hendrickson has made his place crystal clear as contract tensions that started final season proceed to simmer beneath the floor.
With only one season remaining on his present deal and a considerable $18.6 million cap hit looming for 2025, either side appear to be digging of their heels.
Hendrickson confirmed up on the Bengals’ facility Tuesday for offseason work however stayed on the sidelines throughout subject actions.
As an alternative, he used the chance to ship an unmistakable message to the entrance workplace, per Jordan Schultz.
“No.”
That was Hendrickson’s simple response when reporters requested if he would play beneath his present contract phrases.
#Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson: “There may be unprovoked shark assaults and there’s provoked shark assaults.”
Hendrickson added he’s “very upset with the communication” and acknowledged that it “stinks” to find out how a lot different groups worth him in comparison with his personal:
“They watch me… https://t.co/ghawBbYIRS pic.twitter.com/mPje4T48jA
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) Could 13, 2025
The frustration in his voice was evident as he described the breakdown in negotiations as “private,” pointing to a regarding lack of communication from staff administration.
Whereas not fully shutting the door on reconciliation, Hendrickson made it abundantly clear that the connection has grown more and more strained.
His choice to talk out publicly got here after head coach Zac Taylor knowledgeable him about potential fines for skipping obligatory minicamp.
Hendrickson considered this warning as a sign that “one thing gained’t get achieved in that time-frame.”
Maybe most telling was his revelation that “no communication has taken place between my camp and the group put up draft.” This silence has seemingly introduced progress to an entire halt.
Hendrickson emphasised his want to search out center floor rapidly however famous it turns into “arduous to do when there isn’t any dialogue and an evident lack of curiosity in reaching mutual objectives.”
The defensive standout has earned a Professional Bowl choice each season since becoming a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.
The staff added a one-year extension to his unique four-year, $60 million contract signed in 2021.
Tensions first surfaced final offseason when Hendrickson requested a commerce after failing to safe a brand new long-term settlement.
NEXT: Trey Hendrickson Makes Large Determination About Offseason Actions
